Abstract: A method is described for depositing gold onto a target surface using volatile organogold(I) and organogold(III) complexes. The method requires the vaporization of the organogold complex under high vacuum and moderate temperature and introduction of the vaporized complex into contact with the target surface heated to a temperature at or above the decomposition temperature for the complex, so that the complex decomposes upon contacting the surface thereby depositing gold thereon. A number of new organogold complexes are described for use in the method.